NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP : Bonilla Drives in Four Runs in Pirates’ 8-1 Win

Ever since the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to make one more effort to sign Bobby Bonilla, he has been getting some big hits.

A major contributor in the Pirates’ drive to the top of the National League East, Bonilla can be a free agent after this season.

In April, the club had decided his demands were too high and broke off negotiations, but last week they announced they would make an effort to sign him.

The game after the announcement, Bonilla hit two home runs and drove in four runs in a victory.

And Friday night at Houston, the switch-hitting Bonilla, who plays either third base or right field, had another big game.

Bonilla hit his 13th home run and a double, driving in four runs in a 8-1 victory.

It was Bonilla’s fifth home run in the last 12 games and it contributed to the Astros’ sixth loss in a row.

“I haven’t looked at my stats. They aren’t really important,” Bonilla said. “We’re playing well as a team and that’s what’s important.

“Barry (Bonds) and Andy (Van Slyke) are hitting the ball, too,” Pirate Manager Jim Leyland said. “And that’s why we’re winning.”

It may have been a costly victory. Veteran right-hander Bob Walk injured his right hamstring while scoring a run in the three-run second inning.

Walk, injured earlier this season, is 7-2. He is out indefinitely.

“I pulled my hamstring between third and home and barely made it,” Walk said. “It really hurts. I have no idea when I’ll be ready to pitch.”

St. Louis 5, Cincinnati 1--Bob Tewksbury became the third Cardinal pitcher to go the route in the last four games as they beat the Reds at St. Louis.

Tewksbury, who failed to win his previous five starts, gave up a home run to Chris Sabo, but otherwise was in control of the Reds, who have lost 14 of their last 16.

Todd Zeile had three hits and drove in two runs to make it easier for Tewksbury.

Atlanta 6, Chicago 2--Steve Avery figures he is a bit short of being a complete pitcher.

The 21-year-old left-hander won’t be satisfied until he goes the distance consistently.

Although he improved his record to 11-5 with a strong performance at Chicago, he lost a shutout when Andre Dawson hit a two-run home run with one out in the ninth inning. It was Avery’s 20th start, but he has only one complete game. This was the third time he lost a shutout in the ninth.

San Diego 8, New York 2--The Mets continue to struggle against West Coast teams. Bruce Hurst (12-5) pitched a strong eight innings at San Diego and the Mets lost for the fifth time in the last six games.

Benito Santiago hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie and Darren Jackson followed with a two-run home run.

Hurst had 10 strikeouts and gave up four hits. He is 5-1 lifetime against the Mets.

San Francisco 3, Philadelphia 2--Kelly Downs and four relievers combined on a four-hitter at San Francisco and the Giants increased their winning streak to six games.

Downs, who took injured Don Robinson’s spot in the rotation, gave up two runs and the four hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Dave Righetti worked the ninth for his 14th save.